Ballet Cymru — Beauty and the Beast

Lilian Baylis Studio

Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R

Ballet Cymru, nominated by the Critics Circle National Dance Awards in 2013 as Best Independent Company, presents a sparkling and refreshing ballet based on the eternal fairy tale.

Beauty and the Beast toured to over 50 venues in the UK during 2011 to record audiences and overwhelming critical acclaim. The production also toured to Italy playing to 1026 people in Trieste and 987 in Como.

A ruined merchant, lost and desperate in a deep forest; an exquisite garden by a magical palace; an enchanted Beast, furious and lonely; a promise to the merchant’s youngest daughter, Beauty: a perfect red rose - so the scene is set for the greatest love story ever told. In 1946 the legendary film maker Jean Cocteau added to the myth by creating the masterpiece that is La Belle et la Bête; using much of the imagery that was later copied by Disney for their film version in 1991.

Now Ballet Cymru bring to life this timeless story using the company’s unique blend of classical technique and storytelling. Beauty and the Beast is a critically acclaimed ballet featuring choreography by Creative Wales Award-winner Darius James, costumes by Welsh designer Steve Denton and a haunting score by composer David Westcott. Featuring stunning costumes, breathtaking choreography and heartbreaking passion, this production is the most thrilling and entertaining dance event of the year.

"These young ballet pioneers deserve wider support. Catch them if you can"

The Dancing Times

Ballet Cymru are a young, vital group of dancers who are pushing back the barriers of classical ballet. Using powerful and timeless stories, the company challenges its dancers to interpret some of the finest characters in literature.